The following blog post was written by Katie Selph who recently completed a three month internship in the communications department of the Arizona Commission on the Arts. We thank her for her excellent work and wish her luck in her future endeavors.
During my sophomore year of college, I took a course in Modern British Literature. On the first day of class, the professor entered the room, introduced himself and then said, “If your goal is to get an A in my class you should leave now. I never give out A’s and even B’s are hard to come by.” He set the tone immediately and held true to his word. I received a D- on the first paper I wrote for the course—the first of several occasions I would be reduced to tears that semester. But throughout the semester I worked harder with every assignment, read each novel closely and ended up raising my grade on each paper. I learned a lot about hard work and diligence that semester and an incredible amount about literature and writing. Had I not been so challenged and forced to prove myself, I wouldn’t have come away with so much at the end of the semester.
Each year National Arts in Education Week invites us to reflect not only on the importance of the arts in our schools, but also on those teachers who inspired our creativity as they challenged us to be our best. I recently spoke with staff members of the Arizona Commission on the Arts about the arts teachers who made the greatest impact on their lives.
Alex Nelson, Director of Arts Learning, will never forget her youth theatre program director from high school. “Through his example I learned how to problem solve, how to build consensus, how to value every voice in the room, how to be part of a team and how to have fun doing all of it. I learned how to trust my own voice as well. Through the arts I learned how to lead, and I will be forever grateful to Rob for that lesson and that opportunity.”
“Skepticism is a Virtue” – a lesson Kristen Pierce, Organizational Services Coordinator, learned as an undergrad at ASU. Her favorite professor, John Berglund, taught a course in stage and non-profit management. From John’s teaching, Kristen was inspired to become a leader in arts administration.
Educators are role models. They teach us about art but also about ourselves. Steve Wilcox, Communications and Research Director, remembers his middle school drama teacher above the rest. “Ultimately, he wasn’t so much training us for a life on the stage as he was training us for a life outside of his classroom,” Steve reflected. “Life can be tough when you’re different. Mr. Wilson taught us basic skills for survival–how to turn our perceived weaknesses into strengths; how to fit in without losing those qualities that made us stand out; how to be ourselves, while getting along with others.”
Patrick Fanning, Arts Learning and Special Projects Coordinator, remains in contact with (and continues to learn from) teachers he had throughout his education.
“My middle school teachers really instilled in me the joy of making art and how much fun it can be. They didn’t make it an ultra-serious, do-or-die situation,” Patrick reported. “My high school choir teacher taught me lots of things, but I credit him with my ability to juggle a million commitments and how to network. My college voice professor is just a constant source of inspiration. And my graduate school professor basically teaches me new things every time I talk to him.”
Executive Director Bob Booker keenly remembers Ms. Blunk, his theatre teacher and speech coach from high school.  “I learned about hard work and the need to continually improve your craft. I learned about commitment, team work and letting your imagination run free. Most of all, I learned to be confident in my life.” Bob still keeps in touch with Ms. Blunk and speaks to her regularly. The bond he created with her has been a lasting one.
In honor of National Arts in Education Week, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on the arts teachers who made a difference in your life. If you can, consider reaching out to an arts teacher from your past to thank them for their work and the influence they’ve had on your life. If you’re a parent, consider writing joint thank you notes with your children to the arts educators in their lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to let our arts educators know how much their work is appreciated.
